asked the Minister for Energy the amount of coal which is being imported by Ireland from South Africa for (a) 1986, (b) 1987 and (c) 1988; if he will ban the importation of coal from South Africa in view of the continuation of the apartheid system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - South African Coal Imports.
29.
The total amount of coal imported from South Africa during the years in question was as follows: 1986, 48,153 metric tonnes; 1987, 23,398 metric tonnes; 1988, 66,265 metric tonnes. South African coal accounted for less than 2 per cent by volume of Irish hard coal imports in 1988.
The question of the continuation of coal imports from South Africa is a policy issue within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Accordingly, I do not propose to comment further on this aspect of the matter.